Wrenshall Mayor Candidates

Gary Butala (I)

Briefly summarize your personal background and qualifications.

My name is Gary Butala. I have lived in Wrenshall for 25 years. I've been involved with city politics since 2006. I have held the positions of City Councilor and Mayor. I know how city government works.

What made you decide to run for mayor this year?

I decided to run again (as incumbent) because the city has projects that need to be finished – things that will benefit all residents of the city.

What do you think are the top two issues facing your city and how would you go about tackling them?

The first issue is the city's aging infrastructure that needs to be replaced. The city has really grown recently, with many new families moving into Wrenshall. We need to update the infrastructure, (specifically sewer and water) to meet the needs of the community. The city streets also need attention with all the new housing being built. With Wrenshall growing so fast, the people need services they can count on.

The second issue is that we must make sure that all city ordinances that are in place are fair, understandable, and are up to date with the Minnesota state statutes - which we follow. All cities have rules and ordinances that are the basic laws governing the safety, health, and welfare of the residents. Everyone wants to live in a place they love, they can enjoy and can appreciate calling their home. I want to help Wrenshall be that place.

Elaborate on an issue you think was handled well in your city over the past two years.

I feel an issue that was handled well was maintaining city streets. We needed to do something to help the citizens during snow to be able to get out and get necessities. We purchased a snow plow truck to keep our roads open for emergency personnel and residents. I'm proud the council could get new park equipment and improve the tennis/pickleball court to make Hugh D. Line Park more family friendly.

Why should people vote for you?

I have a record of having an open mind, and not making rash decisions. I go through the pros and cons of the issues. I have experience with city budgets and know where funds are needed. I listen and try to consider all sides. I would appreciate your vote.

Jeff Bloom

Briefly summarize your personal background and qualifications.

I am a 1982 graduate of Wrenshall. My wife, Liz, and I have been married for 15 years. I have been self employed for the better part of 40 years. We currently own, operate and manage numerous businesses with employees in Wrenshall.

What made you decide to run for mayor this year?

There used to be a saying "For the People, By the People." We need to bring that back to restore the faith in our community!

What do you think are the top two issues facing your city and how would you go about tackling them?

The minimal growth in our community. We need to look extremely hard at the water tower fees and permit fees. There is money coming in monthly from the antennas on top of the water tower that could possibly be used to offset some of these fees. We need to be more competitive to bring in more families that would also help the school, businesses and the community. If you look around, our streets and infrastructure are going to require updates. We need to generate more revenue to help keep taxes in check. Growth is extremely important to our community as a whole

The lack of transparency. To get in the 21st century, we need to start live streaming meetings to hold everyone accountable with what we say and do. We have a website that could be utilized to post these meetings, so that people can go back and view the meetings to see what your elected officials did or did not do or say and how the issues were handled. Again, transparency, transparency, transparency! Also, common sense and compassion!

Elaborate on an issue you think was handled well in your city over the past two years.

The school has a program called the Wrenshall Building Construction class that received a grant to build a house in town. If all goes well, the house will be sold and the funds used to build a new one next year. The council waived the water tower fees in order to help the program. In my opinion, this is a win-win for the whole community!

Why should people vote for you?

The Council should be working for the people - not the people working for them. I will listen to any and all suggestions on how our community can be improved and more welcoming to all. Welcome to the new Wrenshall!